If you are looking for beautiful pot plants, shrubs are a great option. Deciduous shrubs like Crape myrtle and Ninebark make wonderful choices. Many of these plants are native to North America, and will thrive in partial shade. You can also try Ninebark, a striking North American native with rich purple foliage, pinkish flowers, and glossy red seed heads in the fall. Here are a few of my favorites.
Coral bells
These shrubs have beautiful foliage that is both ornamental and functional. Coral bells are evergreen plants, but they will also survive in colder climates as semi-evergreens. Coral bells are easy to prune back to promote new growth and encourage rebloom, but they are generally perennials in most climates. Coral bells are native to mountainous and woodland areas of North America and can thrive in any climate if grown under conditions that resemble their native habitat.
During winter, coral bells are hardy plants, but you can plant them in pots during the warm months and in partial shade in milder climates. They need four hours of sunlight each day, though they can tolerate more if they receive enough moisture. Coral bells do best in humus-rich, well-draining soil, and a slightly moist atmosphere. Soggy soil can cause crown rot. Add compost to your soil to improve drainage.
When choosing the right location, make sure you know the climate of your local area. Coral bells grow best in part shade, but they are tolerant of full sun. If you live in a colder climate, you can plant them in a sunny spot. Make sure you have well-drained soil, and don’t forget to provide them with some water during hot weather. You can use any all-purpose potting soil to grow coral bells in pots.
Crape myrtle
Before planting a crape myrtle shrub in a pot, it is best to know about proper planting techniques. First, you should dig a hole that is about two feet deep and two feet wide. If the hole is too deep, suckers will form. Next, you must fill the hole with the same type of soil that was removed from the pot. This soil should be nutrient-rich.
Once the roots are in the ground, the next step is planting the crape myrtle in the pot. Once the root ball is in place, firm the soil around it with your hands. Don’t plant the shrub too deeply, since crape myrtles prefer to grow shallow. This will avoid any future issues. After planting the shrub, water it when the soil is dry. A few drops of water every day will ensure the proper watering of your plant.
When planting a Crape myrtle in a pot, remember that wind will be a problem for the plant. Crape myrtles don’t do well in pots with wet feet, so make sure you select a variety that won’t suffer from wind problems. Also, keep in mind the mature size of the plant. Also, choose a Crape myrtle that is wide and heavy enough to hold its own.
Euonymus japonicus
Growing euonymus in pots is easy. They tolerate any reasonable soil and can be planted anytime of the year. They need regular watering during their first year but require less maintenance once they are established. As they grow slowly, they may need to be pruned to maintain their shape. They look good when planted near colorful flowers and hedges. You can plant more than one at a time provided there is sufficient space between them.
Care for your euonymus shrubs depends on your climate and soil conditions. Keep your plants well-watered during the summer. Euonymus japonicus is prone to Anthracnose disease, a fungus that causes brown spots on the plant. This fungus is spread by water droplets. The affected leaves will curl and yellow. Use a fungicide spray to protect your euonymus shrubs from this disease.
The main disadvantage of growing euonymus in pots is the potential for damage from pests and diseases. While euonymus can tolerate moderate pest pressure for many years, they’re very vulnerable to diseases and fungi. Damaged euonymus can destroy entire plantings. Fortunately, most maladies are easy to treat and can be easily removed with a clipping. If you’re unsure about whether euonymus is suitable for your climate, you can grow another species.
Wintergreen
When you are planning to grow Wintergreen shrubs in pots, consider the growing conditions of your area. Firstly, check your USDA hardiness zone and buy varieties that will tolerate the climate in your area. Secondly, invest in good-quality pots to help the plants survive the harsh winters. In addition, the compact form of Hebes is a lovely shrub to grow in pots. Their attractive flowers will be a perfect addition to any home or office.
If you have a small space, you can also plant a Wintergreen Boxwood. This slow-growing shrub is excellent for topiary and bonsai. Its dark green foliage is ideal for any container, and its attractive foliage lends itself well to both. The plant is also known as Korean boxwood. If you choose to plant it in a pot, remember to prune it after it emerges from the winter.
The flowers of the Mountain Snow Pieris are delicate and pale pink. In spring, these flower buds will open to reveal creamy, ivory-white blooms. These blooms will be best accompanied by other EverColor(r) Carex varieties. However, they will require full sun or shade to thrive. So, if you are planning to grow Wintergreen shrubs in a pot, make sure you plant it in a protected location.
Hibiscus
One of the most common questions about hibiscus is how to care for them properly. This plant needs plenty of sunlight and a warm climate, so they prefer a sunny spot away from strong winds. When kept indoors, however, hibiscus like to be in a sunny location away from heat and cooling vents, as they can damage the leaves. If necessary, you can use artificial lighting to provide additional light for the plant.
When planting a hibiscus in a pot, be sure to use good quality potting soil. Your hibiscus shrub will thrive in good potting mix, so make sure you get a good quality one. Ensure that the soil is moist, but never soggy. Aim to place the plant one inch below the rim of the pot. Press down on the root ball until it is just below the top of the pot.
During the winter months, tropical hibiscus plants should be brought indoors. Before bringing them inside, remove any leaves or other signs of pest infestations. Place them in a warm spot with indirect sunlight, and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Fertilize your hibiscus once a month. Keep in mind that hibiscus shrubs for pots need bright light and high humidity. You can keep them indoors as long as they receive the right conditions.
Azalea
When choosing an Azalea for your pot, consider the type of sun it gets. Azaleas prefer shade, but will tolerate partial sunlight. They should be planted in an east-facing window or in partial shade. Deciduous azaleas tolerate less direct sunlight than evergreens, but they will not bloom well in complete shade. Azaleas that receive too much sun can suffer from sunburned leaves and flowers.
Azaleas do not like to get their feet wet, but they can survive with a small amount of water each day. Water your Azalea shrubs for pots a few times a month if they’re growing in a damp climate. In hotter climates, they need daily watering. Once you’ve established a watering schedule, you can cut back to weekly watering sessions.
To properly plant an Azalea for pots, prepare a well-drained pot. Make sure that the rootball is at least an inch above the soil level. Once planted, you can add some backfill soil mix to the bottom of the pot. After a couple of growing seasons, you can remove the berm. Azaleas can tolerate partial shade. If you do not have a sun-sheltered area, you can plant them in the shade.
Ninebark
If you’re looking for a small to medium shrub for your pot, you should consider ninebark. This native North American shrub is widely admired for its striking foliage and cup-shaped, white flowers. There are several varieties of this plant available at nurseries, with each growing with its own color. Planting several varieties together will create a striking effect. Ninebark shrubs for pots are suitable for any location, but they require a larger container than other plants.
If you live in a climate with hot summers and dry winters, ninebark is a good choice. It will bloom on the old wood, so removing this branching will encourage the growth of new growth. During the early spring, you can prune the ninebark shrub back to the ground. In addition, ninebark prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They are also tolerant of clay soil, but require a moderately moist location.
If you have space for two or three ninebark shrubs in a pot, you can plant one or two in the ground. Plant it in a hole twice as wide as the pot it is growing in. Make sure the roots are firmly planted. Ninebark shrubs need pruning on a regular basis to promote healthy foliage and avoid mildew infections. Pruning should be done when the plant is in its dormant state.